Mother Christine Coleman

A JOYOUS CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF MOTHER CHRISTINE COLEMAN

Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord. Come on and sing, be joyful unto the Lord! We raise our voices in hallelujah to Him for blessing us with the life of our Mother Christine Coleman, many know her as a church mother, sister, aunt, tee, auntie, Mama Chris, great-great-aunt, Godmother, neighbor, cousin, sister-in-Christ, and friend. Mother Christine Coleman passed away Saturday, December 6, 2025, at her residence in Saginaw, Michigan. Age 94 years. Christine was born on November 5, 1931, in Eutaw, Alabama, to Arthur Jones & Elisabeth Rice.

Mother Coleman was a God-fearing woman with a driven spirit that was sweet, kind, fun, sharp, and beautiful. Her employment began at a young age. She migrated from Alabama to Rhode Island in the 1950s and worked there for some time. She came to Saginaw, Michigan, over 61 years ago to visit her first cousin Bertha Harrison, and she never left. She met and married Robert Coleman, Sr. and they were married for over 51 years. Mother Coleman retired from Covenant Healthcare in Saginaw, MI, the Environmental Services Department.

Mother Coleman was a person who remembered every detail of their life, from childhood to the present. She had a Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory, which allowed her to recall vast amounts of personal experiences in vivid detail, like a continuous mental diary. The family called her for any current, past, and future family details. She was a walking encyclopedia. She had a sense of humor, and you could talk to her about anything, and you would receive her honest opinion without judgment, with a little bit of a reality check. Very street smart and savvy. She kept her family laughing and was extremely proud of them. This enabled her to secure lifelong relationships that lasted throughout her lifetime. She made everyone feel loved and part of the family. She was kind, welcoming, and generous to everyone. Although her family was all around the world, from Alabama, Chicago, Ohio, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, and Tennessee, just to name a few. She loved making and receiving phone calls at all times of the day and night. Her most memorable event was when she hosted the family reunion, which was one of the most planned-out and well-organized family reunions the family had ever seen.

Mother Coleman was a faithful and committed member of Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church since 2002. She took great pride in serving alongside of "The Mother Board" with her church Family at Mt. Nebo. First Sunday was especially meaningful when she had to help prepare the Sacraments dressed in her all white. She really enjoyed listening to the male chorus at Mt. Nebo. The Coleman’s shared a very special bond and respect with Pastor Dr. Willie Hill, Jr. that went back over forty years. Mother Coleman was a fine cook who delighted in sharing tasty food made with fresh ingredients and boundless love with her late husband, who also cooked.

Known as the “ OG” Dillon Street neighbor. People were drawn to her, and she showed generosity, and people gave her blessings back, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. She loved sitting on her porch and talking with neighbors. She appreciated a slower pace, a community connection, and the relaxation that comes from observing the world from a comfortable threshold between the indoors and the porch right outside of the doors of her home. On the porch, she enjoyed fresh air, nature, and having neighborly neighbors. "Porching" and socializing were an effective form of therapy for her; it fostered mindfulness, reduced stress, and served as one of her favorite ways to connect with neighbors and watch the world go by. The neighborhood was a special place for her.

A meticulous dresser, she loved hats and fascinators; everything matched to the T! She dolled up her hair, with matching facial makeup, lipstick, and nails, even in her 90s. Mother Coleman had an impeccable sense of style and was a true fashion enthusiast. Very elegant and graceful, rarely seen without a perfectly chosen outfit and one of her signature hats, and a matching purse. Her wardrobe was a testament to her vibrant personality and a constant source of admiration among her friends and family. Mother Coleman embraced life with flair, expressed beautifully through her love of elegant clothing and magnificent hats.

Over ten years ago, Mother Coleman’s health began to decline, and she started a cycle of treatments during this time. Through it all, she continued to be positive with a witty sense of humor as she continued to be cared for by her daughter, Kimberly Wilson. During this time, her church family, neighbors, and friends delighted in bringing her delicious dishes and keeping her company during her illness. She passed away peacefully in her home on Dillon in the neighborhood she loved with some gospel music playing and her daughter and first cousin by her side. We deeply loved her, but God loved her best.

Mother Coleman leaves to cherish her memory three daughters and two sons, Minister Michael (Debra) Coleman, Cleveland Coleman, Gloria Sims, Kimberly (Lathan) Wilson, all of Saginaw, Michigan, Lenore (Harold) Tabit of Burt Michigan, Sandra Coleman of Bay City Michigan; 28 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; godchildren, all The Abby Children, Carey "Lynn" Cargile, Kenneth Addison, Rosalind Gaines-Williams, Blanche Williams, Jackie Hill, James Scarbough, all of Saginaw, Michigan. Gregory E. Blake of Minnesota, Curtis Hilton of Ohio, and Jeanette Virgies of Alabama; four sisters, Nettie Mae Gandy of Massachusetts, Lillie Pearl Magee of Mississippi, Rosa Latham of Ohio, and Dora McGhee of Alabama; three brothers, Tom Jones, Jesse Jones both of Alabama, Quincy Jones of Mississippi and brother-in-law George Coleman; fourteen nieces, Elizabeth Flemings, Breanda Mcghee, Wanda Mcghee, Mary Mcghee, Raymonda Rice, Shanice Wallace, Joanne Wedgeworth, Patricia Wedgeworth all of Alabama, LaKeisha M. Gandy of Massachusetts, Ruby Lee Jones, Cassandra (Michael) Murphy, Lillie Mae Snoddy all of Mississippi, and Martha Denise Evans of Texas; seventeen nephews, Christopher (Angel) Benefield, John Steele, Lynn Steele, Raymond (Lina) Steele, Johnnie (Debra) Wedgeworth, Morris (Belinda) Wedgeworth, Otis (Willie Mae) Wedgeworth, all of Alabama, Timothy Snoddy of California, Joshua Rice of Florida, Jesse Snoody of Maryland, Dennis Jones, Quincy Watson, Tony Magee, Anthony Snoddy, Horace Snoddy all of Mississippi, Melvin Snoddy of New York, and Michael Jones of South Carolina; 54 great nieces/nephews; 78 great-great-nieces/nephews; 33 great-great-great- nieces/nephews; many other relatives and friends, special family members, neighbors and friends include, Jenece Renae Wedgeworth, Emily Rice, both of Alabama, and Desiree Dunn of Michigan; special cousin, Clyde Alford, of Michigan, Pastor Dr. Willie Hill Jr., Carrie Mae Whitley, Ms. Betty, Aaron Louie, Lucky Abby, Debra Dillard, Dave Hooper, Hattie Dunn, and Blanche Williams, all of Saginaw, Michigan.

Mother Coleman was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Coleman Sr.; daughter, Mary Coleman; sons, Robert, Anthony, and Melvin Coleman; grandsons, Ricky, Joe, Anthony, and Anthony Jr.; her sister, Ruthie Mae Wedgeworth (Nelson); her brothers, Jimmy L. Gandy and Raymond Rice; and her special nephew, Michael J. Gandy.

"Love thy neighbor as thyself," a core biblical commandment, emphasized by Jesus as the second greatest after loving God, meaning to treat others with the same kindness, compassion, and respect you would offer yourself. This encompasses forgiveness, justice, and empathy for all people, not just friends. We would like to thank the Dillon Street neighbors, Mt. Nebo Church Family, the Abby children, Godchildren, Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel for doing just that. Thank you for always going over and beyond what is commanded of us.

Healthcare providers are "hands of God" or "angels on earth" who bring comfort and participate in God's ongoing mission of restoration. We want to acknowledge Belinda Erwin, Caretaker; Dr. Mirza Hussain, PCP; Dr. Sue Tobin, her Oncologist; Covenant Cooper 5 - East Staff; and Covenant VNA at Home. All over the world, there are people – special people like you who make life so meaningful and worthwhile; who are always there when needed, as in our bereavement hour – who will always be special in our hearts.

May God bless and keep you. Many thanks for everything, and may God create many more special people like you.“The Barnes, Coleman, Gandy, Rice, Wilson, & Wedgeworth” Family. Life on Earth is fleeting, but the afterlife is eternal. Farewell to our beloved.